Best Used Cars For Teens

CARCHEX

3 years ago

If you have a new young driver in the family, you might be thinking about buying another car. There are plenty of good used cars out there, but some choices are better for new drivers. Here are the features and models you should keep in mind.

You don’t have to buy a brand new car, but don’t buy an old clunker either. Newer models are more likely to have the latest safety features. Also, older vehicles may have mechanical quirks that can distract first time drivers.

Look For Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control (ESC) uses computer controlled braking to prevent a car’s direction from changing too quickly or not quickly enough, according to the US Department of Transportation. This maximizes the ability of the driver to maintain control during extreme maneuvers. The adjustments happen so quickly that the driver barely even notices, if at all.

ESC systems are also known as:

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Vehicle Stability Enhancement (VSE)

ESC became mandatory on all vehicles in 2012, but many older models also carry this important safety feature.